He's back? Former UCF football linebacker attends practice amid return rumors

ORLANDO — UCF 's defense could get an unexpected boost following the recent injunction granted by the U.S. District Court of Colorado, adding an extra year of NCAA eligibility for Class of 2022 high school graduates.

Cole Kozlowski attended practice in street clothes on Aug. 5, the school confirmed in a social media post. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker started nine of the Knights ' 12 games last fall, earning All-Big 12 third-team honors with 82 tackles (48 solo), 7½ TFLs, two sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Rivals' Brandon Helwig reported Aug. 4 that Kozlowski arrived in Orlando and mutual interest of a return existed.

😁 pic.twitter.com/a0up06vg0c

— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 5, 2026 A native of Spring Lake, N.J., Kozlowski played three seasons at Colgate University, suiting up for 32 games, before joining the Knights in 2025.

Kozlowski sought a fifth year of eligibility in January, but his request was denied. He took part in UCF's pro day but did not sign an NFL contract or receive any rookie minicamp invitations.

The NCAA, which recently adopted the  age-based "five-for five" eligibility model , is expected to appeal the injunction. Sweeney clarified Aug. 2 that athletes granted a fifth year of eligibility do not override current transfer rules,  roster limits  or revenue-sharing totals, according to court documents.

In a document shared by The Athletic's Chris Vannini, NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby wrote, "As a general matter, individuals who leave college sports to pursue professional opportunities are ineligible to return. Schools seeking to roster such players are expected to comply with all NCAA rules."

Asked Monday about the situation, Knights head coach Scott Frost said he would explore the possibility of adding talent — either players from last year's team or those who entered the portal despite believing to have exhausted eligibility.

"It's got to be the right guy," Frost said. "We have such a good culture and such a good thing in the building. It looks like, even if anybody is able to come back, it's got to be a guy that was on our team or is in the portal. But, again, we're trying to figure all that out like everybody else right now.

"The only thing you can be sure of is if you hold your breath long enough then the rules will change before you breathe again."

If Kozlowski is back in the fold, UCF's defense would return seven starters. The Knights already possess strong depth at linebacker with Lewis Carter, Jayden Jennings, Old Dominion transfer Jahleel Culbreath, Wisconsin transfer Tackett Curtis and UMass transfer Rashad Henry on the squad.

Two other players from UCF's 2025 team fit the injunction’s description: defensive end Nyjalik Kelly and safety Phillip Dunnam.

Kelly signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent and is in training camp with the team.

Dunnam attended rookie minicamp with the Tennessee Titans but did not sign. His return to Orlando would appear less likely after he tweeted Aug. 4, “So if our previous school doesn’t have a roster opening for us, we reap no benefit of the ruling? Correct?”

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: He's back? Former UCF football linebacker attends practice amid return rumors

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